Up early and checked out by 8am. Luggage went into storage for the day. We then wandered down to the bus to use our off/on ticket for the second day. First stop this time was the botanical gardens again - but this time we walked over to the Conservatory of Flowers. We saw no sqirrels this time, but we did see warnings about wild coyote's in the area, warning us not to approach them if we did see them. We didn't.
Conservatory of Flowers were fascinating - much bigger than Auckland's Wintergardens, with over 29,000 varietires of plants. At one end they also had a butterfly exhibit. I saw my first 'american bumble bee' So different to our big black and yellow striped ones.
Back on the bus and our next stop was Fisherman's Wharf. I bought another jacket to bring home for $20. We also had clam chowder in a sourdough bun again for lunch. Couldn't resist as it was so yum. By this time it was getting late, so back on the bus to Coit Tower.
I found this interesting as I have read the book 'The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill' which has immortalised this whole area. We walked from the bus, up the hill, up the hill, up the hill, then up up up the stairs. This was steeper than the worlds steepest street. My legs still hurt from it 4 days later. Beautiful area though, and I recognised many things from the book. We paid $4.50 to go up the tower, to find the tower encased in glass so not good for taking pictures. I found this price a bit of a rip off actually, as we were finished within minutes, but then had a 20 minute wait in line to get the elevator back to the bottom. However, we were running late - we had to be back at the hostel by 3pm to get a taxi to the airport by 3.15pm. It was 2.40 so I persuaded the others in linne that we had a plane to catchand would they mind letting us through first. They did :)
We hightailed it back to the bus, but going down the hill was slow because of my balance and we had just missed one. There was no way we could wait half an hour for the next one so we found a rude taxi driver who took offense over everything I said as he misunderstood that I was admiring the victorian houses, instead he thought I was telling him where to turn. He got really argumentative and aggressive. Because of it we didn't want to tip him, but he wouldn't give us the correct change so he got his tip anyway. Cheeky sod.
We waited for the shuttle to take us out to the airport on the corner of Derby Lane and Taylor street where our hostel was. Also on the corner was a massage parlour. Seems we could please no one today as one of the 'madame's' came out and told us we couldn't loiter on the corner as it wouldn't please her clientele. We told her that wasn't our problem, and that we were waiting for a shuttle to take us to the airport and we weren't moving. She disappeared back inside, but she kept a beady eye on us the whole time. Weird.
To be honest - I loved the places we saw in San Francisco - Muir Woods, all the places we visited by bus, the treatment the police gave us - all were very positive experiences, but I hated the bums, the stench of urine in the streets as we walked, and hated being harrassed for 'change, change' by these same people all the time. One even followed us. Those experiences weren't so positive.
At the airport we nearly missed our plane. We wandered in and asked where the Air New Zealand counter was. They told us at counter 3, but it wouldn't open until 5.30pm. I wondered about this as our flight was at 6.55pm and I thought that was late. However, we went and had a coffee, and I remembered that we had to try and unlock our cellphones so we could use them back home in New Zealand. Not being able to use a phone, we asked twopoliceman having a break to help us. That they did - rang the 611 for customer service and got our phones semi unlocked. We were told that an email would be sent to us and we had to reply using an unlock code number within 24 hours. Not a problem. Again wonderful service from San francisco's finest.
By this time it was 5.30pm and we wandered back to counter 3 to find no lanes unopened, so while I went to the restroom, I got Mike to ask again. Turned out that our flight was an alliance flight with United Airlines ande had been given the wrong info, and final check in time was fast approaching. An airport official found us a trolley, loaded our suitcases on it, and we raced to the terminal. We tried to check in using fast check in to find we coudn't so had to join a long queue. Hearts beating, hot and bothered, and in front of an old man who continually farted something terrible. People as far as 6 or 7 back were holding their coats/scarves/tshirts over their noses it was so bad. I hid in my coat.
Finally the old man got served and left and the air pollution gradually cleared and before long we were finally at the counter checking in. Unfortunately Mike was overweight again in his baggage, so he was dividing things between suitcases. Unfortunately, because we were on such a tight timeframe, he got flustered, and his behaviour was noted as suspicious. So as we were going through security we were separated and Mike was tested for drugs. Oh well - all adds to the experience of travelling. I also set off the alarms - my bra wires do that to me every time. One of these days I''m going to go through airport security topless. Might save time.
No sooner we got through security - we were racing down to our plane. It took off as soon as we were seated, however we were not the last ones on the plane. Close though! Flight to Hawaii uneventful. Arrived at 9pm Hawaii time and got a shuttle to our Hotel. I was exhausted so went straight to bed, however Mike's mum and her partner was also here, so Mike stayed up talking to them.
Showing posts with label san francisco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san francisco. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
29th July - San Francisco
We waiting around at the hostel because Mike's replacement credit card was arriving sometime between 8am and 10am. It arrived just on 10am, so as soon as we had it, off we went on the city tour bus from Union Square. We got the one that was $32 but the tickets lasted for two consecutive days instead of just 24 hours.
First stop was the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. Picture postcard Victorian houses in a row, probably the most photgraphed site in San Francisco next to the Golden gate Bridge. Took photos then waited for the bus and reboarded. It was a little longer than the 'every half hour' they said it woudl be.
Next stop was the Botanical Gardens. It was a glorious summer day, and it was really pleasant in the gardens. I wanted to see the Flower Conservatory (or covered hothouses), but we weren't sure where they were so didn't chase it up. We did see another Squirrel though. I know I know - I can hear you all sighing - but they're sooo cute!!
Back onto the bus, and our next stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked over it to the other side. It was lovely and warm as the su was shining but that wind was a bit nippy, but we kept on walking fast so kept ourselves warm. Mike now has 459 photos of San Francisco City from the bridge, as he would take 10 steps and the take another 7 photos!! At the other side of the bridge, we once again had to wait for the bus to turn up, but it was very pleasant sitting in the sun.
Next stop was to see the crookedest street in the world. We were going to get the cable car up, but we were too stingy to pay the $11.00. Besides, there was an hour long wait. So we decided to walk up... the steepest street in the world. After we had walked up the steepest street, we walked down the crookedest one. Lots of photos. By this time it was getting late, and the last bus left around 5.00pm. I wanted to make sure we got the bus back to Union square i time. so we walked to the Fisherman's wharf bus stop and and got one straight away. Got off at Union Square. Mike's replacement credit card wasn't working, so we did try and get some help from the banks, but they woudn't help us as we weren't 'customers'. I've found this attitude in USA banks before when I've wanted USA travellers cheques cashed, and they wouldn't do it because I wasn't their customer! Sigh - of course I wasn't - I'm an overseas traveller wanting international cash and these are international cheques - I found the attitude appalling actually as it simply wouldn't happen in NZ. Any bank in NZ will help you whether you are a customer or not.
After not getting any help there, we headed to dinner at a diner on the corner of union square. Always full so looked good, and it was - a great meal and cheap. Back to the hostel for another early night, but also to pack, as we have to check out of the hostel in by 8am and put our luggage in storage until 3pm as were heading to the airport late afternoon to fly out to Hawaii - eat your heart out!.
First stop was the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. Picture postcard Victorian houses in a row, probably the most photgraphed site in San Francisco next to the Golden gate Bridge. Took photos then waited for the bus and reboarded. It was a little longer than the 'every half hour' they said it woudl be.
Next stop was the Botanical Gardens. It was a glorious summer day, and it was really pleasant in the gardens. I wanted to see the Flower Conservatory (or covered hothouses), but we weren't sure where they were so didn't chase it up. We did see another Squirrel though. I know I know - I can hear you all sighing - but they're sooo cute!!
Back onto the bus, and our next stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked over it to the other side. It was lovely and warm as the su was shining but that wind was a bit nippy, but we kept on walking fast so kept ourselves warm. Mike now has 459 photos of San Francisco City from the bridge, as he would take 10 steps and the take another 7 photos!! At the other side of the bridge, we once again had to wait for the bus to turn up, but it was very pleasant sitting in the sun.
Next stop was to see the crookedest street in the world. We were going to get the cable car up, but we were too stingy to pay the $11.00. Besides, there was an hour long wait. So we decided to walk up... the steepest street in the world. After we had walked up the steepest street, we walked down the crookedest one. Lots of photos. By this time it was getting late, and the last bus left around 5.00pm. I wanted to make sure we got the bus back to Union square i time. so we walked to the Fisherman's wharf bus stop and and got one straight away. Got off at Union Square. Mike's replacement credit card wasn't working, so we did try and get some help from the banks, but they woudn't help us as we weren't 'customers'. I've found this attitude in USA banks before when I've wanted USA travellers cheques cashed, and they wouldn't do it because I wasn't their customer! Sigh - of course I wasn't - I'm an overseas traveller wanting international cash and these are international cheques - I found the attitude appalling actually as it simply wouldn't happen in NZ. Any bank in NZ will help you whether you are a customer or not.
After not getting any help there, we headed to dinner at a diner on the corner of union square. Always full so looked good, and it was - a great meal and cheap. Back to the hostel for another early night, but also to pack, as we have to check out of the hostel in by 8am and put our luggage in storage until 3pm as were heading to the airport late afternoon to fly out to Hawaii - eat your heart out!.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
28th July - San Francisco
Well. Life certainly is not boring. And it's days like these you really wish you had normal hearing so you can sort things out yourself.
It started last night. I hit the sack at 8pm as I was simply exhausted. Mike went out and searched for a beer and dinner and walked the streets. He felt someone brush up against him, but didn't think anything of it.
Until.... this morning. Where's my wallet??
We unpacked everything. Went through every pair of shorts and trousers. Every nook and cranny. Every drawer and pocket. We unpacked and repacked everything. No wallet to be found. It was lost - good and proper. $250 USD cash, Credit cards, Drivers license - G O N E!
We found out where the police station was so, instead of going on our city wide tour, we walked down 5 blocks to the police and wrote up a report for insurance purposes. There is no hope of it being handed in, because of the number of homeless around the area he was.
We told the police we needed help to ring to cancel the credit card as we couldn't hear on the phone. Not a problem. He wrote everything down - fortunately Mike had written his card number in a note book so we had all the information. Unfortunately due to budget constraints the station couldn't make a toll call so they told us to go to the Southern Station on 850 Bryant. I asked if we should take a taxi - but they said no - walk it.
So we walked it. After an hour we finally found it, but not before asking several people if we were on the right track. We were but were told to 'watch our backs as it's unsafe'. Lovely.
The police are behind glass and you talk to them via a phone. We couldn't do that so we told them we were deaf and they passed us pink paper through the glass with written messages. We were told to go to the 4th floor to room 454 and ask for the Robbery Inspector. Before we could get to the lifts, we had to go through a security check like the airport!!
We were seen by a Sergeant Scott Warnke. He was simply brilliant, and went well out of the way to help us. He spent a good two hours with us, ringing NZ for us and cancelling the credit card, and then organising a replacement with Mastercard International that will be delivered to Mike tomorrow morning between 8 and 10am at the hostel. He will be able to use the card, but not at any ATM to withdraw cash.
This lovely police officer then DROVE us down to Fisherman's Wharf afterwards so we could spend the afternoon down there. Now that is really going above and beyond and we are truly truly grateful for his help.
We then spent the afternoon at Fisherman's wharf wandering around. We had lunch at the Boudin Bakery = clam chowder in Sourdough bun - it was wonderful = slurp - yum. We watched this duck-like diving bird dive under the water and attack 3 seagulls from underwater which was hilarious. The seagulls complained bitterly!
Onto Pier 39 and took photos of the sealions, then wandered around the shops. Caught the cable car back up to Union Square then walked back to the hostel. Got back about 8pm. So all in all a good day, apart from the initial panic from Mike this morning!! I kept Mike calm though - re-iterating that there was absolutely nothing we could do about it but sort it out.
City tour tomorrow now - at least the lost wallet gave us something different to do :)
It started last night. I hit the sack at 8pm as I was simply exhausted. Mike went out and searched for a beer and dinner and walked the streets. He felt someone brush up against him, but didn't think anything of it.
Until.... this morning. Where's my wallet??
We unpacked everything. Went through every pair of shorts and trousers. Every nook and cranny. Every drawer and pocket. We unpacked and repacked everything. No wallet to be found. It was lost - good and proper. $250 USD cash, Credit cards, Drivers license - G O N E!
We found out where the police station was so, instead of going on our city wide tour, we walked down 5 blocks to the police and wrote up a report for insurance purposes. There is no hope of it being handed in, because of the number of homeless around the area he was.
We told the police we needed help to ring to cancel the credit card as we couldn't hear on the phone. Not a problem. He wrote everything down - fortunately Mike had written his card number in a note book so we had all the information. Unfortunately due to budget constraints the station couldn't make a toll call so they told us to go to the Southern Station on 850 Bryant. I asked if we should take a taxi - but they said no - walk it.
So we walked it. After an hour we finally found it, but not before asking several people if we were on the right track. We were but were told to 'watch our backs as it's unsafe'. Lovely.
The police are behind glass and you talk to them via a phone. We couldn't do that so we told them we were deaf and they passed us pink paper through the glass with written messages. We were told to go to the 4th floor to room 454 and ask for the Robbery Inspector. Before we could get to the lifts, we had to go through a security check like the airport!!
We were seen by a Sergeant Scott Warnke. He was simply brilliant, and went well out of the way to help us. He spent a good two hours with us, ringing NZ for us and cancelling the credit card, and then organising a replacement with Mastercard International that will be delivered to Mike tomorrow morning between 8 and 10am at the hostel. He will be able to use the card, but not at any ATM to withdraw cash.
This lovely police officer then DROVE us down to Fisherman's Wharf afterwards so we could spend the afternoon down there. Now that is really going above and beyond and we are truly truly grateful for his help.
We then spent the afternoon at Fisherman's wharf wandering around. We had lunch at the Boudin Bakery = clam chowder in Sourdough bun - it was wonderful = slurp - yum. We watched this duck-like diving bird dive under the water and attack 3 seagulls from underwater which was hilarious. The seagulls complained bitterly!
Onto Pier 39 and took photos of the sealions, then wandered around the shops. Caught the cable car back up to Union Square then walked back to the hostel. Got back about 8pm. So all in all a good day, apart from the initial panic from Mike this morning!! I kept Mike calm though - re-iterating that there was absolutely nothing we could do about it but sort it out.
City tour tomorrow now - at least the lost wallet gave us something different to do :)
27th July - San Francisco
Wasn't up toooooooo early this morning - 9am! We finalised our packing, then had the leftover cheesecake for breakfast (oink oink). We had some porridge too! See - told you I'm turning into porridge! Steven then dropped us at our backpackers hostel in Union Square. It's a bit of a dump, but clean, and we have our own room where we can lock up - so it's safe. Close to the shops so thats good too. After dropping off our luggage, we headed up to Circuit City. I was finally able to get Wendy's birthday present there at a reasonable price. We then walked down to the downtown area and went window shopping. I enjoyed it at Sak's fifth Avenue. Particularly at the Jimmy Choo's handbag section. Handbags only $2300 usa. Thought about getting one each for all my female friends. It's the thought that counts isn't it?
Picked up some lunch in the Macy's foodcourt - we went to a mexican place - yummy food and the chef is apparently famous, but obviously not famous enough for me to know about it downunder! Wandered around Macy's store - tried on a few of the sale clothing, but didn't buy anything - I actually think I'm too tired to appreciate anything. Saw lots of clothes that Anne and Wendy would love - but they're not here to try them on - all clothes on sale - 60% reduce so some real bargains in there. By this time it was close to 6pm - and it is FREEZING in SFO. I only had a tshirt on - so we headed back to the hostel.
Caught up on emails and started reading another book. I've had it. Actually to be honest - I want to come home now. I've had enough of sightseeing, walking, shopping, and sleeping in hostels. I'm sure if I get a decent nights sleep tonight I will feel more energetic for tomorrow's plans. We're doing the double decker sightseeing tour around the city - stops at 12 different places and we can get on/off all day long. Nothing planned for Tuesday - would like to go to Yosemite but it's too expensive at $130 for the day. Alcatraz was completely booked out - we tried to book it over a week ago and it was booked out then. We have most of the day on Wednesday too before we fly out at 7pm for Hawaii for 3 days. I want to lie on the beach and do nothing!!
Picked up some lunch in the Macy's foodcourt - we went to a mexican place - yummy food and the chef is apparently famous, but obviously not famous enough for me to know about it downunder! Wandered around Macy's store - tried on a few of the sale clothing, but didn't buy anything - I actually think I'm too tired to appreciate anything. Saw lots of clothes that Anne and Wendy would love - but they're not here to try them on - all clothes on sale - 60% reduce so some real bargains in there. By this time it was close to 6pm - and it is FREEZING in SFO. I only had a tshirt on - so we headed back to the hostel.
Caught up on emails and started reading another book. I've had it. Actually to be honest - I want to come home now. I've had enough of sightseeing, walking, shopping, and sleeping in hostels. I'm sure if I get a decent nights sleep tonight I will feel more energetic for tomorrow's plans. We're doing the double decker sightseeing tour around the city - stops at 12 different places and we can get on/off all day long. Nothing planned for Tuesday - would like to go to Yosemite but it's too expensive at $130 for the day. Alcatraz was completely booked out - we tried to book it over a week ago and it was booked out then. We have most of the day on Wednesday too before we fly out at 7pm for Hawaii for 3 days. I want to lie on the beach and do nothing!!
26th July - San Bruno
We had a day at Steven's yesterday - Steven went off to help a friend with a roof, while I slept in and caught up with some sleep, caught up with emails and my blog, did 3 loads of washing (ugh - even on holiday I have to do laundry!!), read my book - finished it, snoozed, and generally lazed around all day long. It was absolute bliss, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. In fact, even now, I would like nothing better than to blob out on my sofa in my lounge all day - but thats a few more days away yet.
Steven came home around 8pm, and he and Stacey brought dessert, and another friend Rachel to meet us. Dessert was from the Cheesecake Shop (Yum), and they picked up Key Lime Flavour - oh bliss bliss. It was beautiful. Later on we realised we hadn't eaten so Steven cooked us up some Soup - so we ate dessert first - thats okay though - life is uncertain so you should always eat dessert first! We talked well into the early hours of the morning so was pleased to hit the sack, but was very sad to say goodbye to Stacey whom I've felt like I've known for years already.
Steven came home around 8pm, and he and Stacey brought dessert, and another friend Rachel to meet us. Dessert was from the Cheesecake Shop (Yum), and they picked up Key Lime Flavour - oh bliss bliss. It was beautiful. Later on we realised we hadn't eaten so Steven cooked us up some Soup - so we ate dessert first - thats okay though - life is uncertain so you should always eat dessert first! We talked well into the early hours of the morning so was pleased to hit the sack, but was very sad to say goodbye to Stacey whom I've felt like I've known for years already.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
25th July - San Diego - San Francisco
Shuttle was on time. Yawn. Too early for me. Got to the airport at 5.00 and was through check in and security by 5.20am. Our flight wasn't until 6.30am. So found some breakfast food and a cup of tea and had that. Thank goodness I did that because we got no food on the plane. Nothing except water. Flew Virgin airlines. New plane, but made a terrible scraping
noise as it went down the runway. I told Mike that was his suitcase wit his leather boots dragging as they couldn't fit it in the plane.
The plnae had little TV's behind the screen like the international flights, but if you wanted to watch a movie you had to pay $7.00. We did find a free CNN channel to watch, but it was a little disconcerting watching the news about the Qantas flight with a hole in the fuselage while we were flying to San Francisco. In the end I turned it off and tried to sleep for an hour. Rested my head on my hand over one of my eyes - and fell asleep. When I woke up the pressure on my eye meant everything was blurry for about an hour - couldn't see at all!!
Steven picked us up - I lost Mike again as I thought he was behind me - but he was using his phone so didn't see me as I thought he did. Steven found him though so that's okay. PIcked up our luggage then piled into Steven's car, and came back to his place. It felt like we were 'home' again. We then reorganised ourselves, and Steven drover us out to Muir Woods- the large redwood park famous in San Francisco. We went via the Golden Gate bridge and took photos. At Muir woods we walked the main track - very peaceful and beautiful. We saw and photograhed two wild deer - one still with its spots - Bambi :) We lost Mike again at Muir Woods but found him again shortly after! After leaving Muir woods we went to Stinson Beach - highway one but north instead of south. Had lunch in a bar and grill - very nice. I was starving as it was now 2pm and we hadn't eaten since 5.30am. Drove back towards San Francisco stopping at various viewing places for photos.
Went into San Francisco and parked car in North Beach area then walked for miles taking photos of the architecture to the Ferry buildings where we met Stacey - Steven's partner. Walked through Little Italy, Chinatown, Vietnam area and the sex shop area as well. All very very interesting! And yes - we went into one of the sex shops to check out prices and see what goodies Americans have! We didn't buy anything though!!! We then caught a taxi to our Italian Restaurant where we were booked into and had such a fun night of laughing, joking, teasing and eating. I ordered a Lobster Lasagne - was very beautiful but too rich after all my porridge eating!! Could only eat a tiny amount. After dinner walked back tot he car and we dropped Stacey at home, then came back to Steven's. Had a couple of Kahlua's then hit the sack.
it's now 25th July - and we're having a quiet day today - doing emails, catching up on washing, snoozing, reading and rejuvenating our stumps! We head back to San Francisco City tomorro where we have about 3 days in the city itself. Running out of dosh so am being careful now. Got to leave a bit for Hawaii :)
Cheers
Robyn
noise as it went down the runway. I told Mike that was his suitcase wit his leather boots dragging as they couldn't fit it in the plane.
The plnae had little TV's behind the screen like the international flights, but if you wanted to watch a movie you had to pay $7.00. We did find a free CNN channel to watch, but it was a little disconcerting watching the news about the Qantas flight with a hole in the fuselage while we were flying to San Francisco. In the end I turned it off and tried to sleep for an hour. Rested my head on my hand over one of my eyes - and fell asleep. When I woke up the pressure on my eye meant everything was blurry for about an hour - couldn't see at all!!
Steven picked us up - I lost Mike again as I thought he was behind me - but he was using his phone so didn't see me as I thought he did. Steven found him though so that's okay. PIcked up our luggage then piled into Steven's car, and came back to his place. It felt like we were 'home' again. We then reorganised ourselves, and Steven drover us out to Muir Woods- the large redwood park famous in San Francisco. We went via the Golden Gate bridge and took photos. At Muir woods we walked the main track - very peaceful and beautiful. We saw and photograhed two wild deer - one still with its spots - Bambi :) We lost Mike again at Muir Woods but found him again shortly after! After leaving Muir woods we went to Stinson Beach - highway one but north instead of south. Had lunch in a bar and grill - very nice. I was starving as it was now 2pm and we hadn't eaten since 5.30am. Drove back towards San Francisco stopping at various viewing places for photos.
Went into San Francisco and parked car in North Beach area then walked for miles taking photos of the architecture to the Ferry buildings where we met Stacey - Steven's partner. Walked through Little Italy, Chinatown, Vietnam area and the sex shop area as well. All very very interesting! And yes - we went into one of the sex shops to check out prices and see what goodies Americans have! We didn't buy anything though!!! We then caught a taxi to our Italian Restaurant where we were booked into and had such a fun night of laughing, joking, teasing and eating. I ordered a Lobster Lasagne - was very beautiful but too rich after all my porridge eating!! Could only eat a tiny amount. After dinner walked back tot he car and we dropped Stacey at home, then came back to Steven's. Had a couple of Kahlua's then hit the sack.
it's now 25th July - and we're having a quiet day today - doing emails, catching up on washing, snoozing, reading and rejuvenating our stumps! We head back to San Francisco City tomorro where we have about 3 days in the city itself. Running out of dosh so am being careful now. Got to leave a bit for Hawaii :)
Cheers
Robyn
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day one - USA
Flight was very long - in the past 48 hours I think I've only had about 4 or 5 hours of sleep - snatched when I can only. The flight was uneventful except for an arrogant kiwi male sitting behind me who stole my blankets while I was sleeping, and my pillow when I put my head forward for a minute. I got it back the first time, but the second time he stole it while I was sleeping!!! I asked the hostess for another one and she made him give it back to me. The cheek!!
Flying into SFO youculd see a little of the gorgeous coastline but was very 'foggy'. The fog was actually smoke from all the bush fires.
We flew through customs and USA immigration. Paul was waiting for us wearing the Tshirt he bought off Redbubble of mine so he was easily recognisable. He had a surprise for us in the form of a stretch Limo which took us from the airport to his place in 90 minutes. This stretch limo was a super stretch one - and just the three of us in the back!! He's ordered it to take us to the airport at Sacremento tonight too - picking us up in an hour.
It was a pleasant 22C in SFO when we arrived, so nice after our storm antarctic winter storms in NZ. However it was not so balmy in Stockton where Paul is - it was a boiling furnace and 38C. Paul tells us that we picked the hottest day to arrive. I seem to make a habit of picking extreme weather, as wehn I arrived in Montreal in 2006, I arrived at the coldest - minus 31C. However I think I'd take the Minus 31 over plus 38 any day!
As soon as we refreshed ourselves with a COLD shower we ordered a taxi and popped down to the mall and got something to eat. We were also desperate for some cold air-conditioning. Shopping with 2 men is no fun. Will have to go back on my own!
After dinner at the mall, we went to T-Mobile and got served by two men in bright pink shirts. Mike and I bought a phone each so we can at least txt each other in case one of us gets lost or separated. Cheap as chips - a Nokia 6710 was $29.99 plus $25 prepay. We can dial 611 when we leave to have the phone unlocked for free for use in NZ. So Anne - don't worry about buying a new Nokia - I have one here for you on my return.
We're about to head out shortly for the philadelphia part of our trip - the Say What Club hearing loss convention and will be on that side of the US for 8 days. A little cooler than here, no stingy eyes from the smoke, but humid so probably just as hot as 38C!!
Flight is at 12.15am and I'm so tired!
Will update blog when I can.
Cheers
Robyn
Flying into SFO youculd see a little of the gorgeous coastline but was very 'foggy'. The fog was actually smoke from all the bush fires.
We flew through customs and USA immigration. Paul was waiting for us wearing the Tshirt he bought off Redbubble of mine so he was easily recognisable. He had a surprise for us in the form of a stretch Limo which took us from the airport to his place in 90 minutes. This stretch limo was a super stretch one - and just the three of us in the back!! He's ordered it to take us to the airport at Sacremento tonight too - picking us up in an hour.
It was a pleasant 22C in SFO when we arrived, so nice after our storm antarctic winter storms in NZ. However it was not so balmy in Stockton where Paul is - it was a boiling furnace and 38C. Paul tells us that we picked the hottest day to arrive. I seem to make a habit of picking extreme weather, as wehn I arrived in Montreal in 2006, I arrived at the coldest - minus 31C. However I think I'd take the Minus 31 over plus 38 any day!
As soon as we refreshed ourselves with a COLD shower we ordered a taxi and popped down to the mall and got something to eat. We were also desperate for some cold air-conditioning. Shopping with 2 men is no fun. Will have to go back on my own!
After dinner at the mall, we went to T-Mobile and got served by two men in bright pink shirts. Mike and I bought a phone each so we can at least txt each other in case one of us gets lost or separated. Cheap as chips - a Nokia 6710 was $29.99 plus $25 prepay. We can dial 611 when we leave to have the phone unlocked for free for use in NZ. So Anne - don't worry about buying a new Nokia - I have one here for you on my return.
We're about to head out shortly for the philadelphia part of our trip - the Say What Club hearing loss convention and will be on that side of the US for 8 days. A little cooler than here, no stingy eyes from the smoke, but humid so probably just as hot as 38C!!
Flight is at 12.15am and I'm so tired!
Will update blog when I can.
Cheers
Robyn
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